Pacemaker apparatus, operation method thereof, and program

ABSTRACT

There is provided a pacemaker apparatus including a course setting unit configured to set a movement course along which a user moves, a lap time data acquisition unit configured to acquire data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set by the course setting unit, and a target lap time generation unit configured to designate a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired by the lap time data acquisition unit as a reference lap time and generate a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates to a pacemaker apparatus, an operation method thereof, and a program, and more particularly to a pacemaker apparatus, an operation method thereof, and a program that enable an optimum movement pace to be presented to each user.

In the related art, pacemaker apparatuses present a running pace or a walking pace to a marathon runner or a walker with movement.

However, the pacemaker apparatuses of the related art present a pace only at the same tempo because a sound is output at a fixed tempo temporarily decided before running or walking starts. Thus, for example, when energy for running or walking is physically or mentally reduced, the running or walking becomes tired. Ultimately, a pace is neglected or even running or walking itself is stopped.

Therefore, an apparatus for encouraging a runner or pedestrian who is a user to run or walk, if necessary, by monitoring and tracking his/her athletic activity has been proposed (see JP 2012-5841A).

SUMMARY

Incidentally, when a user who admires a well-known marathon runner or a runner that he/she knows runs, he/she may want to run while comparing his/her own record to that of the well-known marathon runner or the runner that he/she knows.

However, in the technology of JP 2012-5841A, it is difficult to know a difference between a degree of running pace of the well-known marathon runner or the runner of the acquaintance that the user admires and a degree of running pace of the user in real time, and a degree of running pace only necessary to run at a target pace even when the user can be motivated by providing encouragement in running or walking.

In addition, because an internal state such as the user's health, a congestion situation of a running course, or an external environment such as weather is not constantly fixed, there is a concern that the user's health may become deteriorated by presenting a pace similar to the case in which he/she is in good health even when the user himself/herself is not aware of his/her internal state of bad health. In addition, there is a concern that the user is forced to run at an unreasonable pace and hence an accident is caused by presenting a pace similar to the case in which there is no influence of the external environment, in spite of the fact that the congestion of a running course, which is an external environment, is heavy or weather is bad, or a desire of the user himself/herself to run is reduced by presenting a pace at which it is difficult for the user to actually run.

It is desirable to present a pace considering a relative relationship with a runner that a user admires when the user desires to run out of admiration for a well-known runner or a runner that he/she knows and enable the user to run while maintaining health and a desire to run by presenting a pace considering an internal state such as health or an external environment such as congestion or weather.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a pacemaker apparatus including a course setting unit configured to set a movement course along which a user moves, a lap time data acquisition unit configured to acquire data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set by the course setting unit, and a target lap time generation unit configured to designate a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired by the lap time data acquisition unit as a reference lap time and generate a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time.

The target lap time generation unit may generate the target lap time by multiplying the reference lap time by a predetermined coefficient.

The pacemaker apparatus may further include an internal state information acquisition unit configured to acquire internal state information indicating an internal state of the user. The target lap time generation unit may generate the target lap time by multiplying the reference lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on the internal state information.

The internal state information may include information regarding a body temperature, a pulse, a blood pressure, a blood glucose level, and/or a sweat rate of the user. The internal state information acquisition unit may acquire at least one piece of the information among the information included as the internal state information.

The pacemaker apparatus may further include an external environment information acquisition unit configured to acquire external environment information indicating an external environment of the user. The target lap time generation unit may generate the target lap time by multiplying the reference lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on the external environment information.

The external environment information may include information regarding a date, a time, and a season when the user moves along the movement course, and a temperature, an atmospheric pressure, weather, a congestion situation, an exhaust gas amount, and/or an altitude around and on the movement course. The external environment information acquisition unit may acquire at least one piece of the information among the information included as the external environment information.

The pacemaker apparatus may further include a position identifying unit configured to identify a position of the user when the user moves along the movement course set by the setting unit, a time counting unit configured to count a time of passage when the user passes through the position identified by the position identifying unit on the movement course, a lap time measurement unit configured to measure a lap time of the user as a measured lap time based on information regarding the position identified by the position identifying unit and a time counted by the time counting unit upon passage through a position corresponding to the information regarding the position identified by the position identifying unit, and a presenting unit configured to present a comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time to the user.

The presenting unit may present the comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time as information including a sound, a change in volume, a change in a temperature, an electrical stimulus, a vibration, a light emission color, and/or a change in an amount of light sensible by the user to the user.

The presenting unit may present the comparison result to the user by changing at least one of music, a tempo of the music, and a playback volume of the music when presenting the comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time by using the sound to the user.

The presenting unit may present the comparison result to the user by making a change to reproduce slow-tempo music, reproduce the music at a slow tempo, or decrease the playback volume of the music as the comparison result when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is faster than the target lap time.

The presenting unit may present the comparison result to the user by making a change to reproduce up-tempo music, reproduce the music at a fast tempo, or increase the playback volume of the music as the comparison result when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is slower than the target lap time.

The pacemaker apparatus may further include a target lap time change unit configured to change the target lap time according to the comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time.

When the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is faster than the target lap time, the target lap time change unit may change the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient in a manner that the target lap time is faster. When the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is slower than the target lap time, the target lap time change unit may change the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient in a manner that the target lap time is slower.

The pacemaker apparatus may further include an internal state information acquisition unit configured to acquire internal state information indicating an internal state of the user. The target lap time change unit may change the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on at least one of the comparison result and the internal state information.

The internal state information may include information regarding a body temperature, a pulse, a blood pressure, a blood glucose level, a sweat rate, a movement speed, and/or a staggering degree of the user. The internal state information acquisition unit may acquire at least one piece of the information among the information included as the internal state information.

The pacemaker apparatus may further include an external environment information acquisition unit configured to acquire external environment information indicating an external environment of the user. The target lap time change unit may change the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on the external environment information.

The external environment information may include information regarding a date, a time, and a season when the user moves along the movement course, and a temperature, an atmospheric pressure, weather, a congestion situation, an exhaust gas amount, an altitude, a number of passing persons, and/or a gradient around and on the movement course. The external environment information acquisition unit may acquire at least one piece of the information among the information included as the external environment information.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a pacemaker apparatus, the method including a course setting process of setting a movement course along which a user moves, a lap time data acquisition process of acquiring data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set in the course setting process, and a target lap time generation process of designating a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired in the lap time data acquisition process as a reference lap time and generating a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer controlling a pacemaker apparatus to execute the processes including the steps of setting a movement course along which a user moves, acquiring data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set in the process of the course setting step, and designating a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired in the process of the lap time data acquisition step as a reference lap time and generating a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, a movement course along which a user moves is set. During movement along the set course, data of one or more lap times of one or more persons is acquired. Among the acquired data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons, a lap time of a person selected by the user is designated as a reference lap time, and a target lap time is generated based on data of the reference lap time.

A pacemaker apparatus of the present technology may be a stand-alone apparatus and a program for performing a process as a pacemaker.

According to the embodiment of the present technology described above, it is possible to present a pace considering a relative relationship with a runner that a user admires when the user desires to run out of admiration for a well-known runner or a runner that he/she knows and enable the user to run while maintaining health and a desire to run by presenting a pace considering an internal state such as health or an external environment such as congestion or weather.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pacemaker system including an intelligent pacemaker to which the present technology has been applied;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a first embodiment of the intelligent pacemaker;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a pacemaker operation process by the pacemaker system of FIG. 1 including the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a course setting process by the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a target lap time generation process by the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a notification process by the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a second embodiment of an intelligent pacemaker;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of dynamically changing a target lap time by the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a third embodiment of an intelligent pacemaker;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating a target lap time by the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fourth embodiment of an intelligent pacemaker;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of dynamically changing a target lap time by the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of calculating a correction coefficient of a target lap time by the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a notification process by the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a general-purpose personal computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present technology (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. The description will be given in the following order.

1. First Embodiment (Example in Which There Is No Change After Target Lap Time Has Been Set)

2. Second Embodiment (Example in Which Target Lap Time Is Dynamically Changed Based on Comparison Between Measured Lap Time and Target Lap Time)

3. Third Embodiment (Example in Which Target Lap Time Is Set Based on Internal State Information and External Environment Information)

4. Fourth Embodiment (Example in Which Target Lap Time Is Dynamically Changed and Notification Is Changed Based on Internal State Information and External Environment Information)<

1. First Embodiment

[Configuration Example of Pacemaker System]

FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration example of the embodiment of the pacemaker system including an intelligent pacemaker to which the present technology has been applied. The pacemaker system of FIG. 1 includes intelligent pacemakers 11-1 to 11-n connected to a network 13 represented by the Internet, and a lap time database (DB) management server 12. Also, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the intelligent pacemakers 11-1 to 11-n from each other, the intelligent pacemakers 11-1 to 11-n are simply referred to as an intelligent pacemaker 11. The same is true for other elements as well.

The intelligent pacemaker 11 is a portable running pacemaker having a function serving as a media player held by a runner who is a user. That is, as the media player, the intelligent pacemaker 11 has headphones 31 (FIG. 2), and reproduces and outputs various music at various rhythms or tempos. As described above, the intelligent pacemaker 11 functions as a pacemaker by reproducing various music at various rhythms or tempos, and prompting the runner who is the user to run according to a rhythm or tempo of reproduced music.

The lap time DB management server 12 manages a running course, times of passage through each registration point on a straight line for each registration point, which is a predetermined position on the course, and lap times serving as differences between times for every plurality of runners as a DB.

When the user performs an operation during the running, the intelligent pacemaker 11 accesses the lap time DB management server 12 via the network 13 according to the operation. When accepting the access from the intelligent pacemaker 11 via the network 13, the lap time DB management server 12 transmits data of a necessary lap time among data of all lap times registered in the lap time DB to the intelligent pacemaker 11 according to a request.

The intelligent pacemaker 11 acquires the data of the lap time from the lap time DB management server 12 via the network 13. The intelligent pacemaker 11 prompts a runner to select any lap time by searching for data of all lap times corresponding to a course along which the runner runs from now on and presenting the searched data as a list to the runner who is the user. In addition, the intelligent pacemaker 11 generates and presents a target lap time by multiplying a coefficient suitable for the runner based on the selected lap time or the like. Further, when the runner starts running, the intelligent pacemaker 11 prompts the runner to run at a pace according to a music tempo and rhythm by measuring a lap time for every registration point on the course and reproducing music with a change in music, a tempo and rhythm of the music, or the like from a difference from the target lap time.

Here, the lap time data to be displayed as the list, for example, can also include a lap time when an Olympic athlete or an athlete who has won a prize in a competition or the like has actually run. Accordingly, for example, when the user desires to run out of admiration for the Olympic athlete serving as a target, it is possible to select lap time data of a target athlete as a target lap time. Because a lap time of a target athlete or record or the like can be set as a reference lap time for the runner who is the user, it is possible to provide motivation to continue training and consequently improve athletic performance by satisfying the runner's desire to run or a desire to catch up with the target.

[First Embodiment of Intelligent Pacemaker]

Next, a configuration example of the first embodiment of the intelligent pacemaker 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The intelligent pacemaker 11 includes a control unit 21, a Global Positioning System (GPS) 22, a user input unit 23, a communication unit 24, a music data storage unit 25, a real time clock (RTC) 26, a display unit 27, a sound output unit 28, and an acceleration sensor 29.

The control unit 21 includes a microcomputer of a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and the like. The CPU expands various programs or data stored in the ROM into the RAM to execute the programs or data, and hence the control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the intelligent pacemaker 11.

The GPS 22 detects a position of the intelligent pacemaker 11 on the earth as information such as latitude and longitude by receiving a signal transmitted from a satellite (not illustrated), and supplies position information thereof to the control unit 21.

Also, because it is only necessary to detect the position information, the position information may be detected using a method other than using the GPS 22. For example, the position information may be detected using a mutual distance from a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connection point.

The user input unit 23 includes an operation button, an operation switch, and the like, accepts an operation of the runner who is the user, generates a corresponding operation signal when the operation is accepted, and supplies the operation signal to the control unit 21.

The communication unit 24, for example, includes Ethernet (registered trademark) and the like, and communicates with the lap time DB management server 12 via the network 13 represented by the Internet to exchange data.

The music data storage unit 25 stores data of music, which is music for presenting a pace of the runner who is the user, in a predetermined compressed format, and supplies the music data according to a request from the control unit 21. The RTC 26 generates real time information and supplies the generated real time information to the control unit 21.

The display unit 27 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic electro-luminescence (EL), or the like, displays various information supplied from the control unit 21, and presents the information to the runner who is the user.

When receiving the supply of music data stored in the music data storage unit 25 from the control unit 21, the sound output unit 28 reproduces corresponding music data, supplies the reproduced music data to the headphones 31, and causes the music data to be output as music.

The acceleration sensor 29 measures acceleration in a main body of the intelligent pacemaker 11, detects motion of the runner who is the user wearing the acceleration sensor 29, and supplies a detection signal corresponding to the detected motion to the control unit 21. According to the detection signal of the acceleration sensor 29, it is also possible to identify that the runner who is the user is running, starts running, or is staggering and to recognize a running speed and a degree of staggering.

Next, a detailed configuration of the control unit 21 will be described.

The control unit 21 includes a course setting unit 41, a course storage unit 42, a position identifying unit 43, a target selection unit 44, a target lap time generation unit 45, a target lap time storage unit 46, a lap time measurement unit 47, a lap time measurement result storage unit 48, a lap time comparison unit 49, and a notification information generation unit 50.

The course setting unit 41 selects a selectable course as a running course based on position information identified by the position identifying unit 43 according to a signal supplied from the GPS 22, and displays an image for prompting the user to select any course on the display unit 27. Therefore, the course setting unit 41 determines a course selected by operating the user input unit 23 as a set course based on the image displayed on the display unit 27 and causes the course storage unit 42 to store the selected course.

The position identifying unit 43 identifies a position on its own embedded map or the like from the signal supplied by the GPS 22, that is, information regarding latitude and longitude on the earth.

When a target lap time is generated, the target selection unit 44 controls the communication unit 24 to access the lap time DB management server 12 via the network 13 and acquire data of a lap time corresponding to the set course. Further, the target selection unit 44 generates a display image of a list for the acquired lap time data, generates an image for prompting the user to select any lap time from the list, and displays the image on the display unit 27. Therefore, the target selection unit 44 supplies data of a lap time selected by operating the user input unit 23 to the target lap time generation unit 45.

When the lap time data supplied from the target selection unit 44 is acquired, the target lap time generation unit 45 generates an optimum target lap time targeted by the user by multiplying by a predetermined coefficient or the like. In further detail, the target lap time generation unit 45 sets the predetermined coefficient based on a previous lap time of the runner who is the user or the like, and generates the target lap time by multiplying the lap time supplied from the target selection unit 44 by the set predetermined coefficient. Further, the target lap time generation unit 45 displays the generated target lap time on the display unit 27, and displays a confirm image for setting the generated target lap time to be slower or faster or directly setting the generated target lap time on the display unit 27. When the runner operates the user input unit 23 and sets the target lap time to be slower or faster based on the confirm image, the target lap time generation unit 45 adjusts the coefficient so as to cope with a requirement, generates a target lap time by multiplying by the coefficient again, and displays the generated target lap time on the display unit 27. Therefore, when the runner determines that the displayed target lap time is desired by operating the user input unit 23, the target lap time generation unit 45 causes the target lap time storage unit 46 to store the target lap time.

The lap time measurement unit 47 determines whether a position is a lap time measurement position on the course, that is, a registration point, based on position information supplied from the position identifying unit 43, and measures a time of passage by reading time information supplied from the RTC 26 at a timing at which the position is the lap time measurement position. Further, the lap time measurement unit 47 calculates a lap time from a difference between a time of passage measured at the registration point on the course corresponding to the position information supplied from the position identifying unit 43 and a time of passage through an immediately previous registration point, and causes the lap time measurement result storage unit 48 to store the calculated lap time as a measured lap time along with information regarding the registration point.

The lap time comparison unit 49 compares the target lap time stored in the target lap time storage unit 46 to the measured lap time stored in the lap time measurement result storage unit 48, and supplies the comparison result to the notification information generation unit 50.

The notification information generation unit 50 selects music stored in the music data storage unit 25 based on the comparison result, and instructs the sound output unit 28 to reproduce the selected music at a rhythm or tempo corresponding to the comparison result. Thereby, the sound output unit 28 decompresses music data compressed in a predetermined compressed format according to an instruction from the notification information generation unit 50, and outputs a designated rhythm or music as a sound from the headphones.

For example, when the measured lap time is faster than the target lap time and there is sufficient room for the target lap time, the notification information generation unit 50, for example, reproduces music of a slow tempo of a spacious atmosphere. Thereby, the runner can be aware of the fact that he/she can run to approach a target lap time set based on a lap time of a target runner if a pace is decreased by hearing spacious music of a slow tempo coming from the headphones 31. In addition, the runner is prompted to run at an appropriate pace even when the running rhythm is not consciously changed by running according to the music of the slow tempo. Further, for example, when the measured lap time is slower than the target lap time and there is no room for the target lap time, slightly up-tempo music is reproduced. Thereby, the runner can be aware of the fact that he/she can run to approach a target lap time set based on a lap time of a target runner by running while increasing the pace by hearing music of an up-tempo pace coming from the headphones 31. In addition, the runner is prompted to run at an appropriate pace even when the running rhythm is not consciously changed by running according to the up-tempo music.

[Pacemaker Operation Process by Intelligent Pacemaker of FIG. 2]

Next, the pacemaker operation process by the intelligent pacemaker of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3.

In step S1, the course setting unit 41 executes the course setting process, sets a course along which the runner who is the user will run, and causes the course storage unit 42 to store the set course. Also, details of the course setting process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4.

In step S2, the target selection unit 44 controls the communication unit 24 to request the lap time DB management server 12 to provide data of a lap time of a person running along the course via the network 13 along with information regarding the course stored in the course storage unit 42.

In step S21, the lap time DB management server 12 determines whether data of a lap time corresponding to the course set by any intelligent pacemaker 11 has been requested via the network 13. In step S21, for example, when the data of the lap time corresponding to the set course has been supplied according to the process of step S2, the process proceeds to step S22 by determining that the data of the lap time has been requested.

In step S22, the lap time DB management server 12 searches for one corresponding to the set course among lap time data managed as its own DB. The lap time data is data of lap times for every course along which other runners have run or data of lap times of runners including well-known runners in the Olympic Games or international races using the intelligent pacemaker 11 in running. In addition, the lap time data also includes a time for every predetermined section set on the course, that is, a lap time, and information such as weather, temperature, precipitation, atmosphere pressure, humidity, and elevation (altitude) as external environment information including weather conditions for every section at that time.

In step S23, the lap time DB management server 12 transmits searched lap time data and information regarding a person of the lap time to the intelligent pacemaker 11 requesting the lap time data.

Also, when the lap time data corresponding to the set course has not been requested in step S21, the process of steps S22 and S23 is skipped.

In step S3, the target selection unit 44 acquires the lap time data corresponding to the set course transmitted from the lap time DB management server 12 according to the process of step S21.

In step S4, the target selection unit 44 generates a list for the acquired lap time and a person thereof as a list for a selectable lap time, displays the generated list on the display unit 27, and displays an image for prompting the user to select any of lap times displayed in the list as a target lap time.

In step S5, the target selection unit 44 determines whether any lap time has been selected. When it is determined that no lap time has been selected, the process returns to step S4. That is, until any lap time is selected as the target lap time, the process of steps S4 and S5 is iterated. For example, when any lap time is selected in step S5, it is determined that the target lap time has been selected and the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the target lap time generation unit 45 executes a target lap time generation process, generates a target lap time based on the selected lap time, and causes the target lap time storage unit 46 to store the generated target lap time. Also, details of the target lap time generation process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5.

In step S7, the lap time measurement unit 47 determines whether the user who is the runner has started running based on a detection signal from the acceleration sensor 29. When the lap time measurement unit 47 determines that the running has started based on the detection signal from the acceleration sensor 29 in step S7, the process proceeds to step S8. Also, when it is determined that the running has not started in step S7, the process of step S8 is skipped.

In step S8, the notification information generation unit 50 executes a notification process, compares a measured lap time sequentially measured with the running to the target lap time, and causes music corresponding to the comparison result to be output from the headphones 31 through the sound output unit 28. Also, details of the notification process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

When the runner stops running or completes running along the set course, the process of step S8 ends and the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the course setting unit 41 determines whether a reset instruction has been issued by operating the user input unit 23. For example, when the reset instruction has been issued, the process returns to step S1 and a subsequent process is iterated. On the other hand, when no reset instruction has been issued, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the control unit 21 determines whether an operation end instruction has been issued by operating the user input unit 23. For example, when no operation end instruction has been issued in step S10, the process returns to step S7. That is, when the running starts, when the running stops, or when the reset and end instructions are not issued after running along the set course has ended, the process of steps S7 to S10 is iterated.

Therefore, when the end instruction has been issued in step S10, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the notification information generation unit 50 controls the communication unit 24 to transmit data of a measured lap time stored in the lap time measurement result storage unit 48 to the lap time DB management server 12 along with information regarding a set course and information for identifying a runner.

In step S24, the lap time DB management server 12 determines whether a measured lap time has been transmitted from any intelligent pacemaker 11. When the measured lap time is transmitted, for example, according to the process of step S11, in step S24, it is determined that the measured lap time has been transmitted and the process proceeds to step S25.

The lap time DB management server 12 acquires the transmitted measured lap time in step S25 and registers the acquired lap time in the DB in step S26, and the process returns to step S21. Also, when it is determined that the measured lap time has not been transmitted from any intelligent pacemaker 11 in step S24, the process of steps S25 and S26 is skipped and the process returns to step S21.

That is, according to the above-described process, the runner holding the intelligent pacemaker 11 can acquire data of a plurality of lap times corresponding to a set course by setting his/her desired running course. In addition, a target lap time is generated by selecting any of acquired courses. Therefore, when the running starts, the running is possible in a state in which a pace has been controlled while notification corresponding to a difference between the measured lap time measured with the running and the target lap time is received. As a result, it is possible to improve physical strength in an enjoyable format by performing running for a target lap time generated based on a lap time of a target runner.

In addition, because a measured lap time obtained by one's own running is supplied to the lap time DB management server 12 after the running has ended, for example, it is possible to select the lap time at that time as a lap time to be used for generating a target lap time on a separate day. It is possible to gradually improve a speed by the running by generating a target lap time using one's own lap time.

Further, because it is possible to enjoy running targeting an Olympic athlete or an officially recognized record by registering records held by Olympic athletes, officially recognized records, and the like for a target lap time to be registered in the lap time DB management server 12, it is possible to enjoy gradual speed-up by continuing the running and provide motivation to continue the running.

[Course Setting Process]

Next, the course setting process by the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4.

In step S41, the course setting unit 41 controls the position identifying unit 43 to acquire position information including information regarding latitude and longitude of a present position measured based on a signal from a satellite (not illustrated) supplied from the GPS 22.

In step S42, the course setting unit 41 identifies a present position on map data (not illustrated) based on the acquired position information.

In step S43, the course setting unit 41 displays a selectable course on the display unit 27 based on information regarding the present position on the identified map data. That is, the course setting unit 41 generates and displays several courses suitable for running including the present position using map data (not illustrated). For example, when the present position is in the vicinity of a course of a well-known marathon event or the like, the course setting unit 41 may be set so that the course is an option. In addition, the course setting unit 41 may cause the runner who is the user to input a distance of a course desired for running and the like in advance using the user input unit 23, generate an optimum running course for the input distance including a present position, and set the optimum running course as an option. Further, the course setting unit 41 may set a course along which the runner who is the user who has previously run including a present position or a position in the vicinity thereof as an option.

In step S44, the course setting unit 41 determines whether any course has been selected by operating the user input unit 23, and iterates the similar process until any course is selected. For example, when any course has been selected in step S44, the process proceeds to step S45.

In step S45, the course setting unit 41 generates an image for displaying the selected course on a map based on map data (not illustrated), and displays the image on the display unit 27. Further, the course setting unit 41 displays an image for accepting a request for editing the displayed course.

In step S46, the course setting unit 41 determines whether the editing of a course has been requested by operating the user input unit 23. When the editing of the course has been requested in step S46, the course setting unit 41 edits the course displayed on the display unit 27 according to an operation signal generated by operating the user input unit 23, and displays a course serving as the editing result on the display unit 27 in step S47.

In step S47, the course setting unit 41 determines whether a course decision instruction has been issued by operating the user input unit 23. When it is determined that the course decision instruction has not been issued in step S47, the process returns to step S45. That is, until the course decision instruction is issued, the process of steps S45 to S48 is iterated. Also, when it is determined that the editing has not been requested in step S46, the editing process of step S47 is skipped.

Therefore, when it is determined that the course decision instruction has been issued in step S48, the course setting unit 41 causes the course storage unit 42 to store information regarding the decided course in step S49, and ends the course setting process.

That is, when the present position is identified as described above, options of a plurality of courses including the identified present position are displayed. The user input unit 23 is operated and hence any course is selected. Further, it is possible to apply an editing operation on the selected course if necessary. As described above, it is possible to set a course along which the runner who is the user will run.

[Target Lap Time Setting Process]

Next, the target lap time setting process by the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5.

In step S61, the target lap time generation unit 45 edits a lap time to an interval obtained by multiplying a time of each section by a predetermined coefficient x based on data of a lap time selected as a target lap time, and generates the target lap time. That is, the lap time data is configured as a time obtained for every section set by a plurality of predetermined positions set on the course. Therefore, the target lap time generation unit 45 edits a target lap time of the runner to a lap time optimal for the runner who is the user by editing a lap time to an interval obtained by multiplying the lap time by the predetermined coefficient x, and sets the edited lap time to the target lap time. The predetermined coefficient x may be a value input by the user operating the user input unit 23 in advance. In addition, for example, when the target lap time is a lap time of a well-known marathon runner, the target lap time generation unit 45 may obtain a ratio to the target lap time for a lap time serving as a best record, which could be previously achieved by the runner who is the user, and set the obtained ratio to the predetermined coefficient x.

In step S62, the target lap time generation unit 45 displays the generated target lap time on the display unit 27. The target lap time generation unit 45, for example, displays a list for a lap time generated as the target lap time on the display unit 27 for every section. According to this display, the runner who is the user can recognize how the set target lap time has been set in each section.

In step S63, the target lap time generation unit 45 displays an image for prompting the user to input whether to decide a target lap time displayed on the display unit 27, and determines whether the displayed target lap time is decided by operating the user input unit 23. For example, when it is determined that the target lap time has not been decided in step S63, the process proceeds to step S64.

In step S64, the target lap time generation unit 45 generates a display image for querying whether to set a target lap time faster or slower than a current target lap time and displays the generated display image on the display unit 27.

In step S65, the target lap time generation unit 45 determines whether a request for causing the target lap time to be slower than the current target lap time has been generated by operating the user input unit 23. For example, when the request for causing the target lap time to be slower than the current target lap time has been generated in step S65, the process proceeds to step S66.

The target lap time generation unit 45 increases the predetermined coefficient x by a predetermined number in step S66, and the process returns to step S61.

On the other hand, when no request for causing the target lap time to be slower has been generated in step S65, it is determined that a request for causing the target lap time to be faster has been generated and the process proceeds to step S67.

The target lap time generation unit 45 decreases the predetermined coefficient x by a predetermined number in step S67, and the process returns to step S61.

That is, when the request for causing the target lap time to be slower has been generated, the target lap time generation unit 45 increases the predetermined coefficient x and increases the target lap time, that is, regenerates the target lap time that is slower by a predetermined number. On the other hand, when the request for causing the target lap time to be faster has been generated, the target lap time generation unit 45 decreases the predetermined coefficient x and decreases the target lap time, that is, regenerates the target lap time that is faster by a predetermined number.

As described above, the target lap time is iteratively generated by iterating the process of steps S61 to S67 until the runner who is the user decides the target lap time. When the runner who is the user operates the user input unit 23 to decide the target lap time in step S63, it is determined that a currently displayed lap time has been decided to be the target lap time and the process proceeds to step S68.

The target lap time generation unit 45 causes the target lap time storage unit 46 to store a currently obtained target lap time in step S68, and the process ends.

That is, according to the above-described process, it is possible to generate a target lap time based on a lap time serving as a target. In addition, because it is possible to perform correction according to a request for setting a slow lap time or a fast lap time when the generated target lap time is unacceptable, it is possible to easily generate a target lap time as imagined by the runner who is the user.

[Notification Process]

Next, the notification process by the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

In step S81, the notification information generation unit 50 determines whether a music change instruction has been issued by operating the user input unit 23. When the music change instruction has been issued in step S81, the process proceeds to step S82.

In step S82, the notification information generation unit 50 accesses the music data storage unit 25, reads data of selectable music, displays the read selectable music data as a list for selectable music on the display unit 27, and displays an image for prompting the user to select any music.

In step S83, the notification information generation unit 50 determines whether any music has been selected by operating the user input unit 23. When no music has been selected, the process returns to step S82. That is, until any music is selected, the process of steps S82 and S83 is iterated. Therefore, when any music is selected by operating the user input unit 23 in step S83, the process proceeds to step S84.

In step S84, the notification information generation unit 50 reads data of the selected music from the music data storage unit 25 and supplies the read music data to the sound output unit 28. The sound output unit 28 performs a process of decompressing music data compressed in a predetermined compressed format, performs conversion from a digital signal to an analog signal, and causes a music sound to be output from the headphones 31. Also, in the process of steps S81 to S84, the similar operation may be performed even before running starts. In addition, when no music change instruction has been issued in step S81, the process of steps S82 and S83 is skipped. In this case, the notification information generation unit 50 may be set to cause music set by default or previously set music to be reproduced.

In step S85, the lap time measurement unit 47 controls the position identifying unit 43 to acquire position information and identify a present position on a course based on information supplied from the GPS 22.

In step S86, the lap time measurement unit 47 determines whether a position identified by the position identifying unit 43 is within a predetermined distance from a registration point, which is a specific position for setting a section in which a lap time on the course stored in the course storage unit 42 is recorded. When the present position is not a registration point for setting a section in which a lap time is recorded in step S86, the process returns to step S81. That is, when the runner holding the intelligent pacemaker 11 moves on the course set according to running, the process of steps S81 to S85 is iterated when the runner passes through a position at which the measurement of the lap time is unnecessary.

For example, when the runner holding the intelligent pacemaker 11 moves on the course set according to running, the process proceeds to step S87 when the runner passes through the vicinity of a registration position at which the measurement of the lap time is necessary in step S86.

In step S87, the lap time measurement unit 47 measures a time of passage through the registration point by reading and acquiring a time signal read by the RTC.

In step S88, the lap time measurement unit 47 determines that the runner has passed through a registration point at which a lap time should be measured on the set course from the measured passage time, and causes the lap time measurement result storage unit 48 to store the measured passage time in association with the registration point on the set course.

In step S89, the lap time measurement unit 47 calculates a lap time from a difference between a time of passage through a most recent registration point and a time of passage through an immediately previous registration point stored in the lap time measurement result storage unit 48, and causes the lap time measurement result storage unit 48 to store the calculated lap time as the measured lap time.

In step S90, the lap time measurement unit 47 accesses the target lap time storage unit 46 and reads a target lap time at a registration point at which passage has been detected.

In step S91, the lap time measurement unit 47 determines whether the measured lap time is a predetermined time or more slower than the target lap time. For example, when the measured lap time is not slower than the target lap time in step S91, the process proceeds to step S92.

In step S92, the lap time measurement unit 47 determines whether the measured lap time is a predetermined time or more faster than the target lap time. For example, when the measured lap time is not the predetermined time or more faster than the target lap time in step S92, the process proceeds to step S93.

In step S93, the lap time measurement unit 47 determines that the measured lap time is approximately a target lap time and the running is performed in an appropriate state, and supplies information indicating the appropriate state to the notification information generation unit 50. The notification information generation unit 50 accesses the music data storage unit 25, reads data of music indicating running at an appropriate speed among stored music, supplies the read music data to the sound output unit 28 for a predetermined time, and then supplies original music data. The sound output unit 28 outputs a music sound from the headphones 31 based on the supplied music data.

On the other hand, for example, when the measured lap time is a predetermined time or more faster than the target lap time in step S92, the process proceeds to step S94.

In step S94, the lap time measurement unit 47 determines that the measured lap time is faster than the target lap time, and supplies information indicating the faster lap time to the notification information generation unit 50. The notification information generation unit 50 accesses the music data storage unit 25, reads data of music indicating running at a faster speed than the target lap time among stored music, supplies the read music data to the sound output unit 28 for a predetermined time, and then supplies original music data. The sound output unit 28 outputs a music sound from the headphones 31 based on the supplied music data.

Further, for example, when the measured lap time is a predetermined time or more slower than the target lap time in step S91, the process proceeds to step S95.

In step S95, the lap time measurement unit 47 determines that the measured lap time is slower than the target lap time, and supplies information indicating the slower lap time to the notification information generation unit 50. The notification information generation unit 50 accesses the music data storage unit 25, reads data of music indicating running at a slower speed than the target lap time among stored music, supplies the read music data to the sound output unit 28 for a predetermined time, and then supplies original music data. The sound output unit 28 outputs a music sound from the headphones 31 based on the supplied music data.

In step S96, the notification information generation unit 50 determines whether an instruction for ending the notification process has been issued by operating the user input unit 23 or whether the present position provided from the position identifying unit 43 indicates an end point of the set course and running along the course is determined to have been completed. For example, when no instruction for ending the notification process has been issued by operating the user input unit 23 and when the present position provided from the position identifying unit 43 does not indicate the end point of the set course and the running along the course is determined not to have been completed in step S96, the process returns to step S81. That is, in this case, the running is determined to be continued and the process from step S81 is iterated.

On the other hand, for example, when the instruction for ending the notification process has been issued by operating the user input unit 23 or when the present position provided from the position identifying unit 43 indicates the end point of the set course and running along the course is determined to have been completed in step S96, the process ends.

According to the above-described process, the runner who is the user can hear music indicating whether he/she runs at approximately the same speed as in the target lap time or whether he/she runs at a fast speed or a slow speed every time the lap time is measured by merely running along the set course. As a result, the runner can recognize his/her own lap time for the target lap time and control a pace of his/her own running by merely listening to music.

An example in which music is reproduced for a predetermined time according to a state of approximately the same speed, a fast speed, or a slow speed from a difference between the measured lap time and the target lap time has been described above, for example, a playback rhythm or tempo of the same music may be set to be changed according to the state. That is, when the measured lap time is approximately the same as the target lap time, the music is reproduced in the same state in which the rhythm or tempo is not changed. In addition, the music may be reproduced by causing the rhythm or tempo to be slow so as to prompt the runner to decrease the speed when the measured lap time is faster than the target lap time and causing the rhythm or tempo to be fast so as to prompt the runner to increase the speed when the measured lap time is slower than the target lap time. Further, a volume at which music is reproduced may be set to be the same, low, or high according to a state of approximately the same speed, the fast speed, or the slow speed from the difference between the measured lap time and the target lap time. Further, music may be reproduced according to the difference between the measured lap time and the target lap time. According to the difference, information indicating a state of “you are running at an appropriate speed,” “please do your best at this pace,” “you are going too fast,” or “you are slowing down” may be displayed on the display unit 27.

2. Second Embodiment

[Second Embodiment of Intelligent Pacemaker]

An example in which the function as the pacemaker is implemented by generating the target lap time before running starts and executing the notification process based on the comparison between the set target lap time and the measured lap time has been described above. However, when the user's internal state such as health is changed or an external environment such as weather is changed after running has started, a state in which the set target lap time should be changed before the running starts is considered. The target lap time may be set to be dynamically changed according to a change in the above-described internal state and external environment or a request of the runner who is the user.

FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration example of the second embodiment of the intelligent pacemaker 11 capable of dynamically changing the target lap time according to the change in the internal state and the external environment or the request of the runner who is the user. Also, elements of the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 7 having the same functions as those of the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 2 are assigned the same names and the same reference signs and description thereof is appropriately omitted.

That is, the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 7 is different from the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 2 in that an internal user information measurement unit 71 and an external environment information measurement unit 72 are newly provided. As another difference, the control unit 21 further includes a dynamic change unit 91, an internal user information acquisition unit 92, an internal user information storage unit 93, an external environment information acquisition unit 94, and an external environment information storage unit 95.

The internal user information measurement unit 71, for example, measures at least one of a body temperature, a pulse, a blood pressure, a blood glucose level, and a sweat rate as the internal user information, and supplies the measured internal user information to the control unit 21. In addition, the external environment information measurement unit 72, for example, measures at least one of a date, a season, and temperatures, atmospheric pressures, weather, congestion situations, exhaust gas amounts, and altitudes around and on the movement course when the user moves along the movement course, and supplies the measured information as external environment information to the control unit 21.

The dynamic change unit 91 reads the internal user information acquired by the internal user information acquisition unit 92 from the internal user information measurement unit 71 and stored in the internal user information storage unit 93. In addition, the dynamic change unit 91 reads the external environment information, which has been acquired by the external environment information acquisition unit 94 from the external environment information measurement unit 72, from the external environment information storage unit 95, and dynamically changes the target lap time stored in the target lap time storage unit 46 based on the internal user information and the external environment information.

The internal user information acquisition unit 92 acquires information including a recognizable parameter such as a change in the user's health measured by the internal user information measurement unit 71, and causes the internal user information storage unit 93 to store the acquired information in association with a time at which the internal user information has been acquired. Accordingly, elements of the internal user information measurement unit 71 are specifically a thermometer, a pulse meter, a sphygmomanometer, a blood glucose meter, and a sweating meter. Also, the internal user information is not limited to the above-described information, and may be any other parameters from which a change in the user's health can be detected.

The external environment information acquisition unit 94 acquires information including a recognizable parameter such as a change in an external environment in a course along which the runner who is the user runs measured by the external environment information measurement unit 72, and causes the external environment information storage unit 95 to store the acquired information in association with a time at which the acquired external environment information has been acquired. Accordingly, elements of the external environment information measurement unit 72 are specifically a calendar or clock for knowing a date and a season, a temperature meter, a barometer, weather information, congestion situation information, an exhaust gas meter, and an altimeter around the movement course and on the movement course, and the like. Also, the external environment information is not limited to the above-described information, and may be any other parameters from which information regarding an environment rather than the user in the course along which the user runs can be detected.

[Process of Dynamically Changing Target Lap Time]

Next, the process of dynamically changing a target lap time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8. Also, because the pacemaker operating process, the course setting process, the target lap time generation process, and the notification process are substantially the same as in the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 2, description thereof is omitted. In addition, the process of dynamically changing the target lap time is particularly a background process in an environment in which the notification process is executed among pacemaker operation processes. Accordingly, until the process of dynamically changing the target lap time is done, it is assumed that the target lap time generation process and the notification process are executed. Thus, according to the target lap time generation process, it is assumed that the target lap time is stored in advance in the target lap time storage unit 46.

In step S101, the dynamic change unit 91 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on time information supplied from the RTC 26. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, each of the internal user information acquisition unit 92 and the external environment information acquisition unit 94 reads the time information read from the RTC and measures a present time.

In step S103, the internal user information measurement unit 71 measures internal user information and supplies the measured internal user information to the internal user information acquisition unit 92. The internal user information acquisition unit 92 acquires the internal user information supplied from the internal user information measurement unit 71.

In step S104, the internal user information acquisition unit 92 causes the internal user information storage unit 93 to store the acquired internal user information in association with information regarding the present time.

In step S105, the external environment information measurement unit 72 measures external environment information and supplies the measured external environment information to the external environment information acquisition unit 94. The external environment information acquisition unit 94 acquires the external environment information supplied from the external environment information measurement unit 72.

In step S106, the external environment information acquisition unit 94 causes the external environment information storage unit 95 to store the acquired external environment information in association with the present time.

In step S107, the dynamic change unit 91 reads a target lap time stored in the target lap time storage unit 46.

In step S108, the dynamic change unit 91 reads a measured lap time stored in the lap time measurement result storage unit 48.

In step S109, the dynamic change unit 91 compares the read target lap time to the measured lap time, and determines whether the measured lap time is continuously a predetermined time or more slower than the target lap time. For example, when it is determined that the measured lap time is not continuously the predetermined time or more slower than the target lap time in step S109, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the dynamic change unit 91 compares the read target lap time to the measured lap time, and determines whether the measured lap time is continuously a predetermined time or more faster than the target lap time. For example, when it is determined that the measured lap time is not continuously the predetermined time or more faster than the target lap time in step S110, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S111, the dynamic change unit 911 determines whether health is bad or a load is physically excessive based on the internal user information. For example, when it is determined that the state is not the bad health or excessive load in which the body temperature in the internal user information exceeds a temperature determined to be abnormal or the pulse rate exceeds a pulse rate determined to be abnormal in step S111, the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the dynamic change unit 91 sets a target lap time faster than a target lap time before a change based on the internal user information and the external environment information. That is, when running continues for the target lap time without the bad health or the physically excessive load state, the target lap time is determined to be a light load by improving athletic performance of the runner who is the user by continuing the running. Therefore, the dynamic change unit 91 can gradually increase a level of the runner who is the user by setting the target lap time to a higher level again.

In addition, when the target lap time is set to be fast, the dynamic change unit 91 may set the speed to be slightly fast by multiplying a current target lap time by a coefficient of a value close to 1 but slightly less than 1 if the state is close to the bad health or the excessive load in the internal user information. On the other hand, if it is determined that a degree of physical load is low and the state is easy based on the internal user information, the dynamic change unit 91 may set the speed to be fast by multiplying the current target lap time by a coefficient of a value sufficiently less than 1. Further, for example, in an insufficient environment in which the number of things to be avoided is sufficiently large such as when the weather is greatly unfavorable or the acceleration sensor 29 senses that left/right movement is frequent during running and when the number of passing persons is large in the external environment information, the speed may be set to be slightly slow by multiplying by a coefficient of a value larger than 1 but close to 1 as described above.

In step S113, the dynamic change unit 91 displays an image for recommending a change by presenting a newly generated target lap time on the display unit 27 and querying whether it is OK to change to a new target lap time. Also, in this case, an announcement “a target lap time to be newly recommended has been generated” may be output by sound.

In step S114, the dynamic change unit 91 determines whether a change to the recommended new target lap time has been allowed by operating the user input unit 23.

For example, when it is determined that the change to the new target lap time has been allowed by operating the user input unit 23 in step S114, the process proceeds to step S115.

In step S115, the dynamic change unit 91 causes the target lap time storage unit 46 to update and store information regarding the new target lap time.

In step S116, the dynamic change unit 91 determines whether an instruction for ending the dynamic change process has been issued by operating the user input unit 23. When the instruction for ending the dynamic change process has not been issued, the process returns to step S114.

On the other hand, for example, when the user input unit 23 is not operated and the change to the new target lap time is not allowed in step S114, the process proceeds to step S117.

In step S117, the dynamic change unit 91 determines whether a change to a faster target lap time has been requested by operating the user input unit 23. For example, when the change to the faster target lap time has been requested in step S117, the process returns to step S112. That is, according to the process of step S112, a target lap time faster than a newly generated target lap time is set.

In addition, for example, when the change to the faster target lap time has not been requested in step S117, the process proceeds to step S118.

In step S118, the dynamic change unit 91 determines whether a change to a slower target lap time has been requested by operating the user input unit 23. For example, when the change to the slower target lap time has not been requested in step S118, the process returns to step S116. That is, the process of steps S114 to S118 is iterated until the instruction for ending the dynamic change process is issued in step S116.

Further, when it is determined that a change to a target lap time slower than the newly generated target lap time has been requested in step S118 or that the lap time is continuously the predetermined time or more slower than the target lap time in step S109, the process proceeds to step S119.

In step S119, the dynamic change unit 91 sets a target lap time slower than the target lap time before the change based on the internal user information and the external environment information. That is, because it is determined that a current target lap time causes bad health or a physically excessive load for the runner who is the user when the lap time is continuously slower than the target lap time, the dynamic change unit 91 sets a slow target lap time by multiplying the current target lap time by a coefficient larger than 1. Thereby, it is possible to maintain motivation of the runner who is the user having the bad health or the excessive load state.

In addition, when the target lap time is set to be slow, the dynamic change unit 91 may set the speed to be slow by multiplying a current target lap time by a coefficient of a value larger than 1 if the state is close to the excessive load in the internal user information. On the other hand, if a degree of physical load is low and the state is easy, the dynamic change unit 91 may set the speed to be slow by multiplying the current target lap time by a coefficient of a value close to 1. Further, when the weather is greatly unfavorable or the acceleration sensor 29 senses that left/right movement is frequent during running and when it is determined that an environment is not suitable for running because the number of passing persons on the course is large and hence the user is likely to be running while avoiding passing persons in the external environment information, the speed may be set to be slow by multiplying by a coefficient of a value larger than 1 corresponding to its degree.

Further, when it is determined that the lap time is not continuously a predetermined time or more faster than the target lap time in step S110, the dynamic change unit 91 determines whether it is necessary to reset the target lap time based on the internal user information and the external environment information in step S120.

That is, for example, although the lap time is not slower or faster than the target lap time, the physical load may be reduced by resetting the target lap time to be slow based on the internal user information when a physically excessive load state continues. In addition, for example, when the lap time is not slower or faster than the target lap time and the bad health is not recognized even from the internal user information, but a detection result of the acceleration sensor 29 indicates that left/right movement is frequent, it is also considered that the number of passing persons on the course is large. Even when the target lap time can be maintained, it is considered that running can safely continue by setting the target lap time to be slow when there is a risk in maintaining the state and continuing the running.

In addition, because the load is determined to be low in the target lap time when the lap time is not slower or faster than the target lap time, the bad health or the excessive load is also not recognized from the internal user information, and unfavorable weather or the large number of passing persons is also not recognized, it is preferable to reset the target lap time to be fast in the above-described case.

When it is determined that it is necessary to change the current target lap time as described above in step S120, the process proceeds to step S121.

In step S121, the dynamic change unit 91 determines whether to set the target lap time to be faster. When the load imposed on the runner who is the user is considered to be low in the target lap time as described above in step S121, the process proceeds to step S112 in which the faster target lap time is generated.

On the other hand, when it is considered that the load imposed on the runner who is the user is high in the target lap time and it is necessary to change the current target lap time as described above in step S121, the process proceeds to step S119 in which a slower target lap time is generated.

Thereby, it is possible to reduce more severe damage to a body or the occurrence of an accident that may be caused by further continuing running without changing the target lap time according to bad health or an excessive load and a change in a weather or road situation. In addition, because it is possible to set the target lap time of the runner who is the user improving the athletic performance to be high, physical performance can be further improved.

Further, when a predetermined time has not elapsed in step S101, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S122, the dynamic change unit 91 determines whether the process of dynamically changing the target lap time has been requested by operating the user input unit 23. When the process of dynamically changing the target lap time has not been requested, the process returns to step S101.

On the other hand, when the process of dynamically changing the target lap time has been requested by operating the user input unit 23 in step S122, the process proceeds to step S123.

The dynamic change unit 91 reads the target lap time stored in the target lap time storage unit 46 and displays the read target lap time on the display unit 27 in step S123, and the process proceeds to step S117.

That is, according to the process of steps S117 and S118, it is designated whether there is a change to a target lap time faster than a current target lap time or a change to a target lap time slower than the current target lap time displayed on the display unit 27, and a corresponding change is made.

According to the above-described process, it is possible to dynamically change the target lap time according to the internal user information, the external environment information, and the request of the runner who is the user. As a result, it is possible to reduce the damage to the body due to the bad health or excessive load. In addition, it is possible to safely continue running according to a traffic situation. Further, it is possible to acquire higher athletic performance by reading an improvement of athletic performance and improving the target lap time if necessary.

3. Third Embodiment

[Third Embodiment of Intelligent Pacemaker]

The intelligent pacemaker 11 capable of making a change based on the internal user information and the external environment information after generating the target lap time has been described above. However, in the step of generating the target lap time, the target lap time may be set based on internal user information and external environment information of the present and internal user information and external environment information, and an operation history of the past.

FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration example of the intelligent pacemaker 11 capable of setting the target lap time based on the internal user information and the external environment information of the present, and the internal user information, external environment information, and the operation history of the past in the step of generating the target lap time. Also, elements of the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 9 having the same functions as those of the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 7 are assigned the same names and the same reference signs and description thereof is appropriately omitted.

That is, the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 9 is different from the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 7 in that a target lap time generation unit 101 is provided instead of the target lap time generation unit 45 and an operation log storage unit 102 is further provided.

Although basic functions of the target lap time generation unit 101 are substantially the same as those of the target lap time generation unit 45, a target lap time is further generated based on internal user information and external environment information in addition to an operation history that is a previous operation log of the user input unit 23 stored in the operation log storage unit 102.

The operation log storage unit 102 stores which operations have been performed by the user input unit 23 in which procedure as the operation history, and supplies information regarding an operation log remaining as its operation history to the target lap time generation unit 101, if necessary.

[Target Lap Time Generation Process]

Next, the target lap time generation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10. Also, because the pacemaker operating process, the course setting process, the process of dynamically changing the target lap time, and the notification process are substantially the same as in the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 7, description thereof is omitted. In addition, because the process of steps S154 to S161 of FIG. 10 is substantially the same as the process of steps S61 to S68 of the target lap time generation process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, description thereof is omitted.

That is, in step S151, the target lap time generation unit 101 reads information regarding a set course stored in the course storage unit 42 and the number of acceptances of recommendations by the dynamic change process from an operation log stored in the operation log storage unit 102. In addition, the target lap time generation unit 101 acquires present internal user information acquired by the internal user information acquisition unit 92 and present external environment information acquired by the external environment information acquisition unit 94. Further, the target lap time generation unit 101 reads the acquired course information, the number of acceptances of recommendations by the dynamic change process, the internal user information, the external environment information, and previous information thereof from the course storage unit 42, the internal user information storage unit 93, the external environment information storage unit 95, and the operation log storage unit 102.

In step S152, the target lap time generation unit 101 calculates a correlation y serving as a coefficient to be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient x based on the acquired course information, the number of acceptances of recommendations by the dynamic change process, the internal user information, the external environment information, and the previous information thereof.

In step S153, the target lap time generation unit 101 corrects the predetermined coefficient x according to the correlation y. More specifically, the target lap time generation unit 101 corrects the predetermined coefficient x to a coefficient xxy.

That is, for example, the correlation y is obtained by multiplying a coefficient corresponding to a frequency for each piece of information. For example, it is assumed that there is a trend in which the lap time is changed to about 1.5 times an initial target lap time according to the process of dynamically changing the target lap time at a body temperature of a 1° C. in the internal user information and a humidity of b1% in the external environment information. In addition, it is assumed that there is a trend in which the lap time is changed to about 1.6 times the initial target lap time according to the process of dynamically changing the target lap time at a body temperature of a2° C. in the internal user information and a humidity of b2% in the external environment information. In addition, it is assumed that there is a trend in which the lap time is changed to about 1.7 times the initial target lap time according to the process of dynamically changing the target lap time at a body temperature of a3° C. in the internal user information and a humidity of b3% in the external environment information.

When the body temperature of the internal user information actually acquired is a2° C. and the humidity is b2% from the above-described trend, the target lap time generation unit 101 sets the correlation y to 1.7. Thereby, a predetermined coefficient can be corrected to an expected coefficient because the target lap time is expected to be a factor of 1.7 with respect to the initially assumed predetermined coefficient x in a similar environment in advance.

In addition, the target lap time generation unit 101 may calculate the correlation y for correcting the coefficient x by statistically obtaining a factor to be multiplied by the predetermined coefficient x from a previous measurement lap time corresponding to weather.

Further, the correlation y for correcting the coefficient x for every weather in advance may be set as in a table. That is, by considering that a load by weather on a cloudy day is lowest, for example, a correlation y of the cloudy day may be set to 1.00, a correlation y of a sunny day may be set to 1.05, a correlation y of a rainy data may be set to 1.10, and a correlation y of a snowy day may be set to 1.50.

In addition, by expecting a congestion situation from a time and a course in which running starts, the target lap time generation unit 101 may set the correlation y to 1.20 in a course in which the number of commuters is large during morning or evening rush hour and set the correlation y to 1.00 in the case of midnight.

Further, when the correlations obtained by the above-described plurality of conditions are assumed, it is possible to generate target lap times considering various correlations using values obtained by multiplying all coefficients as the correlation y.

Because it is possible to set a reasonable target lap time in advance according to the above-described process, the runner who is the user can run using a real target lap time from the beginning at which running has started without making a large change from an initially set target lap time during the running according to the process of dynamically changing the target lap time. As a result, the running can continue in a stable state without a large change in a load from the beginning of the running.

In addition, although the coefficient x is corrected using a correlation y statistically obtained based on the internal user information, the external environment information, and the operation log of the past in the above, the correlation y may also be referred to as a coefficient for correcting the coefficient x according to learning using the internal user information, the external environment information, and the operation log. Accordingly, because the user may learn a use method according to the number of uses for the correlation y, an accuracy of the correlation y is further improved when the number of uses of the user is further increased, and a more appropriate target lap time can be generated according to the above-described configuration.

4. Fourth Embodiment

[Fourth Embodiment of Intelligent Pacemaker]

An example in which an appropriate target lap time can be set by obtaining a correlation based on internal user information, external environment information, and operation logs of the present and past and correcting the coefficient x according to the correlation in the step of initially setting the target lap time has been described above. However, even after the target lap time has been set, the target lap time may be dynamically changed by obtaining a correlation based on the internal user information, the external environment information, and the operation logs of the present and past and setting a correction coefficient corresponding to the correlation. In addition, the notification process may be changed using the correlation.

FIG. 11 illustrates a configuration example of the intelligent pacemaker 11 set to dynamically change the target lap time by obtaining the correlation based on the internal user information, the external environment information, and the operation logs of the present and past and setting the correction coefficient corresponding to the correlation and further change the notification process using the correlation.

Elements of the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 11 having the same functions as those of the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 9 are assigned the same names and the same reference signs and description thereof is appropriately omitted. That is, the configuration of the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 11 is different from that of the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 9 in that a correlation analysis unit 112 and a traffic point passage timing estimation unit 113 are newly provided and a notification information generation unit 114 and a dynamic change unit 111 are further provided instead of the notification information generation unit 50 and the dynamic change unit 91.

Using a technique similar to the method performed in the above-described target lap time generation unit 101, the correlation analysis unit 112 analyzes a correlation based on the internal user information, the external environment information, and the operation logs of the present and past, generates a correction coefficient z according to an obtained correlation y, and supplies the generated correction coefficient z to the dynamic change unit 111. In addition, using the technique similar to the method performed in the above-described target lap time generation unit 101, the correlation analysis unit 112 searches for music having a high correlation with the present state based on the internal user information, the external environment information, and the operation logs of the present and past and information regarding selected music.

Although basic functions of the dynamic change unit 111 are similar to those of the dynamic change unit 91, the dynamic change unit 111 further dynamically changes the target lap time based on the correction coefficient z generated by the correlation analysis unit 112.

The traffic point passage timing estimation unit 113, for example, calculates a signal waiting time or a signal change timing from a lap time between traffic lights among past lap times stored in the lap time measurement result storage unit 48, estimates a time necessary to pass through the next traffic light so as to minimize the signal waiting time, and supplies the estimation result to the notification information generation unit 114.

More specifically, for example, it is assumed that there are two registration points, there is one traffic light therebetween, and a sufficient number of previous lap times between the two registration points and a time of passage through the traffic light machine between the two registration points corresponding to each lap time are obtained. At this time, first, the traffic point passage timing estimation unit 113 calculates the signal waiting time by obtaining a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value among a sufficient number of previous lap times between the two registration points. Next, the traffic point passage timing estimation unit 113 selects a previous lap time within an error range a in which a difference from the maximum value of a sufficient number of previous lap times between the two registration points is sufficiently small, and obtains an average time of passage through the traffic light corresponding to the selected lap time as an estimation time at which the traffic light turns green. That is, the maximum value of the lap time between the two registration points may include a signal waiting time from a timing at which the traffic light between the two registration points has just turned red to a timing at which the traffic light has next turned green. Thus, the time of passage through the traffic light corresponding to the lap time serving as the maximum value may be a timing at which the traffic light has just turned from red to green. Therefore, the traffic point passage timing estimation unit 113 calculates a time earlier than the estimation time at which the traffic light estimated as described above turns green by the signal waiting time as an estimation time at which the traffic light turns red, that is, a time of passage through the traffic light before the time.

The notification information generation unit 114 is basically similar to the notification information generation unit 50, but further generates notification information based on the estimation result supplied from the traffic point passage timing estimation unit 113 and causes a sound to be output from the headphones 31 rather than the sound output unit 28. That is, for example, in order to minimize the time of waiting by the traffic light, the notification information generation unit 114 compares a scheduled time of passage through the next traffic light to a time of passage expected by a currently measured lap time, and provides notification for prompting the user to run at a fast speed by outputting music for increasing a pace or increasing a rhythm or tempo of music currently being reproduced when the expected time of passage is not in time. On the other hand, in order to minimize the time of waiting by the traffic light, the notification information generation unit 114 compares the scheduled time of passage through the next traffic light to the time of passage expected by the currently measured lap time, and provides notification for prompting the user to run at a slow speed by outputting music for decreasing the pace or decreasing the rhythm or tempo of the music currently being reproduced when a waiting time occurs because the expected time of passage is too early. Further, the notification information generation unit 114 causes a sound to be output from the headphones 31 through the sound output unit 28 with respect to information regarding music having a high correlation in a present state supplied from the correlation analysis unit 112.

[Process of Dynamically Changing Target Lap Time]

Next, the process of dynamically changing the target lap time by the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12. Also, because the pacemaker operation process, the course setting process, the process of dynamically changing the target lap time, and the notification process are substantially the same as in the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 2, description thereof is omitted. In addition, because the process of steps S181 to S188 and S192 to S201 in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is substantially the same as the process of steps S101 to S108, S113 to S119, S112, S122, and S123 in the flowchart of FIG. 8, description thereof is omitted.

That is, when internal user information and external environment information are acquired and stored when a predetermined time has elapsed according to the process of steps S181 to S188, a measured lap time is read and the process proceeds to step S189.

In step S189, the correlation analysis unit 112 executes a process of calculating a correction coefficient of the target lap time and calculates a correction coefficient z.

[Process of Calculating Correction Coefficient of Target Lap Time]

Here, the process of calculating the correction coefficient of the target lap time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13. Also, because the process of steps S211 and S212 in the flowchart of FIG. 13 is similar to the process of steps S151 and S152 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, description thereof is appropriately omitted.

That is, according to the process of steps S211 and S212, the correlation y is obtained as described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10.

In step S213, the correlation analysis unit 112 calculates the correction coefficient z based on the obtained correlation y. More specifically, the correlation analysis unit 112 sets a value obtained by multiplying a coefficient by the correlation y to the correction coefficient z. Here, the coefficient to be multiplied by the correlation y may be 1, and the correlation y may be substantially directly set to the correction coefficient z.

According to the above-described process, it is possible to obtain the correction coefficient, which is the coefficient to be multiplied by the target lap time, according to learning based on internal user information, external environment information, and operation logs of the present and past.

Here, the description will return to the flowchart of FIG. 12.

When the correction coefficient z is obtained according to the process of step S189, the dynamic change unit 111 determines whether an absolute value of a difference from the correction coefficient z is larger than a predetermined value and it is necessary to dynamically change the target lap time in step S190. That is, when an absolute value of a difference between 1 and the correlation y obtained based on the internal user information, the external environment information, and the operation logs of the present and past, that is, obtained by learning, is large, an absolute value of a difference between the correction coefficient z and 1 is also necessarily increased. Thus, a dynamic change in the target lap time is determined to be necessary. Therefore, when the correction coefficient z is larger than a predetermined value and the change in the target lap time is determined to be necessary in step S190, the process proceeds to step S191.

In step S191, the dynamic change unit 111 generates a new lap time by reading data of the target lap time stored in the target lap time storage unit 46 and multiplying the target lap time by the correction coefficient z.

According to the above-described process, it is possible to dynamically change the target lap time according to the correction coefficient z obtained by learning based on the internal user information, the external environment information, and the operation logs of the present and past. Thus, because the target lap time is corrected by the correction coefficient z obtained by statistical learning based on previous information and dynamically changed even when a change in internal user information regarding health or the like or external environment information such as weather is made after the runner who is the user starts running, it is possible to continue running according to an appropriate target lap time.

[Notification Process]

Next, the notification process by the intelligent pacemaker 11 of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14. Also, because the process of steps S231 to S240 and S245 to S248 in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is similar to the process of steps S81 to S90 and S93 to S96 in the flowchart of FIG. 6, description thereof is appropriately omitted.

That is, if music is selected according to the process of steps S231 to S234 and reproduction of the music starts, a time is measured, a lap time is measured, and a target lap time is read when a present position is a registration point on the course in steps S235 to S240.

Therefore, in step S241, the traffic point passage timing estimation unit 113 calculates a necessary speed from a time of passage through the next traffic light and a distance to the next traffic light for passing through a plurality of traffic lights, which are traffic points around a registration point at which passage has been detected, in a minimum waiting time. That is, because information regarding a measured time also remains in a previously measured lap time in the lap time measurement result storage unit 48, the traffic point passage timing estimation unit 113 calculates a timing at which the signal waiting time is statistically minimized from the above-described information.

In step S242, the correlation analysis unit 112 obtains music having a high correlation based on the internal user information, the external environment information, and the operation log. That is, for example, during running in a place in which there is a gradient including elevation (altitude), which is the external environment information, in the number of pulses P, which is the internal user information, the correlation analysis unit 112 analyzes that a correlation for selecting music of t1 is high. In addition, a correlation is calculated in advance so that a correlation for selecting music of t2 from the operation log is high when a body temperature of the internal user information is s° C. and weather, which is the external environment information, is sunny, and a correlation for selecting music of t3 is high when a sweat rate from the internal user information is q cc and the weather, which is the external environment information, is rainy. Music having a high correlation with a current condition is selected.

In step S243, the notification information generation unit 114 determines whether the measured lap time is a predetermined time or more slower than the target lap time or whether the current speed is slower than a speed necessary for passing through a traffic point before a predetermined time is reached. For example, when the measured lap time is not the predetermined time or more slower than the target lap time and the current speed is not slower than the speed necessary for passing through the traffic point before the predetermined time is reached in step S243, the process proceeds to step S244.

In step S244, the notification information generation unit 114 determines whether the measured lap time is a predetermined time or more faster than the target lap time or whether the current speed is faster than the speed necessary for passing through the traffic point before the predetermined time is reached. For example, when the measured lap time is not the predetermined time or more faster than the target lap time and the current speed is not faster than the speed necessary for passing through the traffic point before the predetermined time is reached in step S244, the process proceeds to step S249.

In step S249, the notification information generation unit 114 determines whether the correlation analysis unit 112 has detected music having a high correlation for a current condition. When the music having the high correlation has been detected in step S249, the process proceeds to step S250.

In step S250, the notification information generation unit 50 accesses the music data storage unit 25, reads data of the music having the high correlation among the stored music, supplies the read music data to the sound output unit 28, and switches music to be reproduced. The sound output unit 28 outputs a music sound from the headphones 31 based on the supplied music data.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no music having the high correlation in step S249, the process proceeds to step S245.

In step S245, the notification information generation unit 114 accesses the music data storage unit 25, reads data of music indicating running at an appropriate speed among the stored music, supplies the read music data to the sound output unit 28 for a predetermined time, and then supplies original music data. The sound output unit 28 outputs a music sound from the headphones 31 based on the supplied music data.

On the other hand, for example, when the measured lap time is the predetermined time or more faster than the target lap time or when the current speed is faster than the speed necessary for passing through the traffic point before the predetermined time is reached in step S244, the process proceeds to step S246.

In step S246, the notification information generation unit 114 accesses the music data storage unit 25, reads data of music indicating running at a fast speed among the stored music, supplies the read music data to the sound output unit 28 for a predetermined time, and then supplies original music data. The sound output unit 28 outputs a music sound from the headphones 31 based on the supplied music data.

Further, when the measured lap time is the predetermined time or more slower than the target lap time or when the current speed is slower than a speed necessary for passing through the traffic point before the predetermined time is reached in step S243, the process proceeds to step S247.

In step S247, the notification information generation unit 114 accesses the music data storage unit 25, reads data of music indicating running at a slow speed among the stored music, supplies the read music data to the sound output unit 28 for a predetermined time, and then supplies original music data. The sound output unit 28 outputs a music sound from the headphones 31 based on the supplied music data.

That is, according to the above-described process, it is possible to reproduce music reflecting the intention of the runner who is the user because music having a high correlation with conditions identified by information based on internal user information, external environment information, and operation log information is reproduced. In addition, because it is possible to present a speed at which the runner runs according to a scheduled timing of passage through the traffic light that is the traffic point so that the signal waiting time is minimized, the runner continues the running with a minimum waiting time without being aware of a position or timing of the traffic light.

Although an example in which music having a high correlation with a present state is selected according to learning based on internal user information, external environment information, and operation log information has been described above, for example, recommendation may be made in course setting by selecting a course having a high correlation according to a similar technique.

In addition, although an example in which a change is made by obtaining the correlation y, multiplying a predetermined coefficient x set by default by the obtained correlation y, and further multiplying the target lap time thereby when the target lap time is dynamically changed and when the correction coefficient z is obtained or the target lap time is set has been described above, for example, the user may be prompted to change the target lap time. That is, when it is necessary to slowly run by increasing the target lap time, the lap time of the runner serving as a target to be a state obtained by substantially multiplying by the correction coefficient z or the correlation y may be recommended without changing a predetermined coefficient. In addition, when the target lap time is a world record, the target lap time is changed to a Japanese record, so that a form “the target lap time has been changed from the world record to the Japanese record” may be presented on the display unit 27. Thereby, how the target lap time has been specifically changed can be easily understood according to a sense instead of a numeric value.

Further, although an example of an intelligent pacemaker for use in a running race such as a marathon has been described above, the intelligent pacemaker may be used for other sports, for example, training such as a short-distance sprint, swimming, cross-country skiing, mountain climbing, a walking race, a car race, and the like.

In addition, an example in which music is reproduced from the headphones by presenting a pace to the runner who is the user and the music to be reproduced is changed, or a tempo or rhythm or a volume of the music is changed has been described above, it is possible to use any other method as long as a state can be presented. For example, a heartbeat-like sound may be output instead of music. In addition, in addition to the sound, for example, a clamping pressure of a band or shoelaces or the like may be changed or a sense capable of being experienced by a human body according to a temperature, an electrical stimulus, vibration, or the like may be presented. Further, presentation may be provided by a light emission rhythm or light emission intensity by a strobe-like light emitter.

Further, although an example in which the acceleration sensor 29 detects an amount of traffic of passing persons or the like on the course according to how much the runner who is the user changes a position to left/right (with staggering) while running has been described above, other methods may be performed if the amount of traffic of passing persons is known. For example, it may be measured as external environment information by an infrared sensor or the like. In addition, as an index of the amount of traffic, for example, traffic congestion information may be set to be used, and a congestion situation may be set to be recognized as an amount of traffic of passing persons from detected noise by detecting ambient noise using a microphone or the like.

Because it is possible to present a pace considering a relative relationship of a runner that a user admires when the user desires to run out of admiration for a well-known runner or a runner that he/she knows and present a pace considering an internal state such as health or an external environment such as congestion or weather according to the above-described process, the user can run while maintaining health and a desire to run.

Incidentally, the above-described series of processes can be executed by software or hardware. When the series of processes is executed by the software, a program included in the software is installed from a recording medium to a computer embedded in dedicated hardware, a general-purpose personal computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, or the like.

FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration example of the general-purpose personal computer. A CPU 1001 is embedded in the personal computer. An input/output interface 1005 is connected to the CPU 1001 via a bus 1004. A ROM 1002 and a RAM 1003 are connected to the bus 1004.

An input unit 1006 including input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and the like to allow the user to input an operation command, an output unit 1007 configured to output a process operation screen or an image of the processing result to a display device, a storage unit 1008 including a hard disk drive and the like to store programs or various data, and a communication unit 1009 including a local area network (LAN) adapter and the like to execute a communication process via a network represented by the Internet, are connected to the input/output interface 1005. In addition, a drive 1010, which reads from and writes to removable media 1011 such as a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disc (including a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM) and a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a magneto-optical disc (including a mini disc (MD)), and a semiconductor memory, are connected.

The CPU 1001 executes various processes according to a program stored in the ROM 1002 or a program read from the removable media 1011 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, and a semiconductor memory, installed in the storage unit 1008, and loaded from the storage unit 1008 to the RAM 1003. Necessary data or the like is also appropriately stored in the RAM 1003 so as to enable the CPU 1001 to execute various processes.

In a computer configured such as above, the above mentioned series of processes are executed, for example, by the CPU 1001 loading and executing a program, which is stored in the storage unit 1008, in the RAM 1003 through the input/output interface 1005 and the bus 1004.

The program executed by the computer (CPU 1001) can be, for example, recorded and provided in a removable media 1011 as packaged media or the like. Further, the program can be provided through a wired or wireless transmission medium, such as a local area network, the internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

In the computer, the program can be installed in the storage unit 1008 through the input/output interface 1005, by installing the removable media 1011 in the drive 1010. Further, the program can be received by the communication unit 1009 through the wired or wireless transmission medium, and can be installed in the storage unit 1008. Additionally, the program can be installed beforehand in the ROM 1002 and the storage unit 1008.

Note that the program executed by the computer may be a program which performs time series processes, in accordance with the order described in the present disclosure, or may be a program which performs the processes at a necessary timing in parallel, such as when calling is performed.

Further, in the present disclosure, a system has the meaning of a set of a plurality of configured elements (such as an apparatus or a module (part)), and does not take into account whether or not all the configured elements are in the same casing. Therefore, the system may be either a plurality of apparatuses, stored in separate casings and connected through a network, or a plurality of modules within a single casing.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

For example, the present disclosure can adopt a configuration of cloud computing which processes by allocating and connecting one function by a plurality of apparatuses through a network.

Further, each step described by the above mentioned flow charts can be executed by one apparatus or by allocating a plurality of apparatuses.

In addition, in the case where a plurality of processes is included in one step, the plurality of processes included in this one step can be executed by one apparatus or by allocating a plurality of apparatuses.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1) A pacemaker apparatus including:

a course setting unit configured to set a movement course along which a user moves;

a lap time data acquisition unit configured to acquire data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set by the course setting unit; and

a target lap time generation unit configured to designate a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired by the lap time data acquisition unit as a reference lap time and generate a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time.

(2) The pacemaker apparatus according to (1), wherein the target lap time generation unit generates the target lap time by multiplying the reference lap time by a predetermined coefficient. (3) The pacemaker apparatus according to (1) or (2), further including:

an internal state information acquisition unit configured to acquire internal state information indicating an internal state of the user,

wherein the target lap time generation unit generates the target lap time by multiplying the reference lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on the internal state information.

(4) The pacemaker apparatus according to (3),

wherein the internal state information includes information regarding a body temperature, a pulse, a blood pressure, a blood glucose level, and/or a sweat rate of the user, and

wherein the internal state information acquisition unit acquires at least one piece of the information among the information included as the internal state information.

(5) The pacemaker apparatus according to (1) or (2), further including:

an external environment information acquisition unit configured to acquire external environment information indicating an external environment of the user,

wherein the target lap time generation unit generates the target lap time by multiplying the reference lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on the external environment information.

(6) The pacemaker apparatus according to (5),

wherein the external environment information includes information regarding a date, a time, and a season when the user moves along the movement course, and a temperature, an atmospheric pressure, weather, a congestion situation, an exhaust gas amount, and/or an altitude around and on the movement course, and

wherein the external environment information acquisition unit acquires at least one piece of the information among the information included as the external environment information.

(7) The pacemaker apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), further including:

a position identifying unit configured to identify a position of the user when the user moves along the movement course set by the setting unit;

a time counting unit configured to count a time of passage when the user passes through the position identified by the position identifying unit on the movement course;

a lap time measurement unit configured to measure a lap time of the user as a measured lap time based on information regarding the position identified by the position identifying unit and a time counted by the time counting unit upon passage through a position corresponding to the information regarding the position identified by the position identifying unit; and

a presenting unit configured to present a comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time to the user.

(8) The pacemaker apparatus according to (7), wherein the presenting unit presents the comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time as information including a sound, a change in volume, a change in a temperature, an electrical stimulus, a vibration, a light emission color, and/or a change in an amount of light sensible by the user to the user. (9) The pacemaker apparatus according to (8), wherein the presenting unit presents the comparison result to the user by changing at least one of music, a tempo of the music, and a playback volume of the music when presenting the comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time by using the sound to the user. (10) The pacemaker apparatus according to (9),

wherein the presenting unit presents the comparison result to the user by making a change to reproduce slow-tempo music, reproduce the music at a slow tempo, or decrease the playback volume of the music as the comparison result when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is faster than the target lap time, and

wherein the presenting unit presents the comparison result to the user by making a change to reproduce up-tempo music, reproduce the music at a fast tempo, or increase the playback volume of the music as the comparison result when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is slower than the target lap time.

(11) The pacemaker apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), further including:

a target lap time change unit configured to change the target lap time according to the comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time.

(12) The pacemaker apparatus according to (11),

wherein, when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is faster than the target lap time, the target lap time change unit changes the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient in a manner that the target lap time is faster, and

wherein, when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is slower than the target lap time, the target lap time change unit changes the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient in a manner that the target lap time is slower.

(13) The pacemaker apparatus according to (11) or (12), further including:

an internal state information acquisition unit configured to acquire internal state information indicating an internal state of the user,

wherein the target lap time change unit changes the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on at least one of the comparison result and the internal state information.

(14) The pacemaker apparatus according to (13),

wherein the internal state information includes information regarding a body temperature, a pulse, a blood pressure, a blood glucose level, a sweat rate, a movement speed, and/or a staggering degree of the user, and

wherein the internal state information acquisition unit acquires at least one piece of the information among the information included as the internal state information.

(15) The pacemaker apparatus according to (11) or (12), further including:

an external environment information acquisition unit configured to acquire external environment information indicating an external environment of the user,

wherein the target lap time change unit changes the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on the external environment information.

(16) The pacemaker apparatus according to (15),

wherein the external environment information includes information regarding a date, a time, and a season when the user moves along the movement course, and a temperature, an atmospheric pressure, weather, a congestion situation, an exhaust gas amount, an altitude, a number of passing persons, and/or a gradient around and on the movement course, and

wherein the external environment information acquisition unit acquires at least one piece of the information among the information included as the external environment information.

(17) A method for operating a pacemaker apparatus, the method including:

a course setting process of setting a movement course along which a user moves;

a lap time data acquisition process of acquiring data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set in the course setting process; and

a target lap time generation process of designating a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired in the lap time data acquisition process as a reference lap time and generating a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time.

(18) A program for causing a computer controlling a pacemaker apparatus to execute the processes including the steps of:

setting a movement course along which a user moves;

acquiring data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set in the process of the course setting step; and

designating a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired in the process of the lap time data acquisition step as a reference lap time and generating a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2012-080385 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Mar. 30, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pacemaker apparatus comprising: a course setting unit configured to set a movement course along which a user moves; a lap time data acquisition unit configured to acquire data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set by the course setting unit; and a target lap time generation unit configured to designate a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired by the lap time data acquisition unit as a reference lap time and generate a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time.
 2. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target lap time generation unit generates the target lap time by multiplying the reference lap time by a predetermined coefficient.
 3. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an internal state information acquisition unit configured to acquire internal state information indicating an internal state of the user, wherein the target lap time generation unit generates the target lap time by multiplying the reference lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on the internal state information.
 4. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the internal state information includes information regarding a body temperature, a pulse, a blood pressure, a blood glucose level, and/or a sweat rate of the user, and wherein the internal state information acquisition unit acquires at least one piece of the information among the information included as the internal state information.
 5. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an external environment information acquisition unit configured to acquire external environment information indicating an external environment of the user, wherein the target lap time generation unit generates the target lap time by multiplying the reference lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on the external environment information.
 6. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the external environment information includes information regarding a date, a time, and a season when the user moves along the movement course, and a temperature, an atmospheric pressure, weather, a congestion situation, an exhaust gas amount, and/or an altitude around and on the movement course, and wherein the external environment information acquisition unit acquires at least one piece of the information among the information included as the external environment information.
 7. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a position identifying unit configured to identify a position of the user when the user moves along the movement course set by the setting unit; a time counting unit configured to count a time of passage when the user passes through the position identified by the position identifying unit on the movement course; a lap time measurement unit configured to measure a lap time of the user as a measured lap time based on information regarding the position identified by the position identifying unit and a time counted by the time counting unit upon passage through a position corresponding to the information regarding the position identified by the position identifying unit; and a presenting unit configured to present a comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time to the user.
 8. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the presenting unit presents the comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time as information including a sound, a change in volume, a change in a temperature, an electrical stimulus, a vibration, a light emission color, and/or a change in an amount of light sensible by the user to the user.
 9. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the presenting unit presents the comparison result to the user by changing at least one of music, a tempo of the music, and a playback volume of the music when presenting the comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time by using the sound to the user.
 10. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the presenting unit presents the comparison result to the user by making a change to reproduce slow-tempo music, reproduce the music at a slow tempo, or decrease the playback volume of the music as the comparison result when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is faster than the target lap time, and wherein the presenting unit presents the comparison result to the user by making a change to reproduce up-tempo music, reproduce the music at a fast tempo, or increase the playback volume of the music as the comparison result when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is slower than the target lap time.
 11. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a target lap time change unit configured to change the target lap time according to the comparison result between the target lap time and the measured lap time.
 12. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is faster than the target lap time, the target lap time change unit changes the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient in a manner that the target lap time is faster, and wherein, when the comparison result indicates that the measured lap time is slower than the target lap time, the target lap time change unit changes the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient in a manner that the target lap time is slower.
 13. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: an internal state information acquisition unit configured to acquire internal state information indicating an internal state of the user, wherein the target lap time change unit changes the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on at least one of the comparison result and the internal state information.
 14. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the internal state information includes information regarding a body temperature, a pulse, a blood pressure, a blood glucose level, a sweat rate, a movement speed, and/or a staggering degree of the user, and wherein the internal state information acquisition unit acquires at least one piece of the information among the information included as the internal state information.
 15. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: an external environment information acquisition unit configured to acquire external environment information indicating an external environment of the user, wherein the target lap time change unit changes the target lap time by multiplying the target lap time by a predetermined coefficient based on the external environment information.
 16. The pacemaker apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the external environment information includes information regarding a date, a time, and a season when the user moves along the movement course, and a temperature, an atmospheric pressure, weather, a congestion situation, an exhaust gas amount, an altitude, a number of passing persons, and/or a gradient around and on the movement course, and wherein the external environment information acquisition unit acquires at least one piece of the information among the information included as the external environment information.
 17. A method for operating a pacemaker apparatus, the method comprising: a course setting process of setting a movement course along which a user moves; a lap time data acquisition process of acquiring data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set in the course setting process; and a target lap time generation process of designating a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired in the lap time data acquisition process as a reference lap time and generating a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time.
 18. A program for causing a computer controlling a pacemaker apparatus to execute the processes including the steps of: setting a movement course along which a user moves; acquiring data of one or more lap times of one or more persons during movement along the course set in the process of the course setting step; and designating a lap time of a person selected by the user among the data of the one or more lap times of the one or more persons acquired in the process of the lap time data acquisition step as a reference lap time and generating a target lap time based on data of the reference lap time. 